**Gérard Depardieu Faces Verdict in Sexual Assault Case Today**

The verdict in Gérard Depardieu's sexual assault trial is imminent. He stands accused of groping two women on a film set in Paris in 2021. Prosecutors have called for an 18-month suspended sentence, while the actor maintains his innocence, suggesting the claims are mere misunderstandings.

French actor Gérard Depardieu's sexual assault trial reached a pivotal moment today as a verdict is expected. If convicted, the 76-year-old actor could face a suspended prison sentence and be mandated to register as a sex offender. The trial has drawn considerable attention, following allegations from two women who claim Depardieu groped them during filming in September 2021 for "Les Volets Verts" (The Green Shutters).

During the prosecution's closing arguments, prosecutor Laurent Guy emphasized the responsibility of the court, stating, "You are not here to pass judgment on French cinema. You are here to judge Gérard Depardieu, just as you would any other citizen." He called for an 18-month suspended sentence alongside a €20,000 fine, reflecting a no-nonsense approach to sexual assault.

In stark contrast, the defense, led by lawyer Jérémie Assous, argued for an acquittal, labeling the accusation process as a platform for militant advocacy rather than a fair legal contest. Depardieu himself described the negative narrative around him as painful, claiming he has been the victim of "lies and insults."

Testimony from the plaintiffs painted a troubling picture, with one woman, a set decorator, recalling an incident where Depardieu allegedly trapped her against himself. The other, an assistant director, accused him of multiple inappropriate touches. The actor maintained that any contact was accidental, possibly due to an imbalance.

This trial marks a significant chapter for Depardieu, who has faced various allegations in the media, with discussions surrounding previous incidents potentially culminating in another trial for alleged rape. Amidst the grim realities of courtroom culture, the actor sought solace in humor, likening the trial to a "science fiction film."

In the wake of rising allegations, Depardieu halted his acting career, yet recent reports indicated he returned to the screen with a project in the Azores, suggesting an unyielding spirit despite ongoing controversies. Support has also come from fellow actors, with Brigitte Bardot, a notable figure in French cinema, recently voicing her criticism of severe societal reactions toward accused individuals in the entertainment industry.

As his fate hangs in the balance, the cultural implications of this case resonate not just within the spheres of cinema, but also within broader discussions of misogyny and the treatment of women in the industry.